The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1887-05-11

clump of underground, a man was watch
ing them. He made no sound, but his face,
his very figure was so distorted with rage and
passion and hate, that he looked a wild beast
instead of man. 1t was Rip the Tramp.
II reckon life1l be all peaches and cream
for Brownie now, :" remarked Mrs. Simpkin's
Life was very bright and sweet to Brownie
then A bird sang in her heart all day long
and softly trilled whispered music in her
dreams by night. When did ever maiden
have a more royal lover, or more devoted, II
his wayl
They were to be married at Christmas The
elder Mr.. Edgerly wrote, fastening the wed
| ding. He wanted Roberts American girl
over there in his English home, he wrote
Brownie was to leave her native shores a
| bride.
That was all very well so far. But Brownie
was a teasing, tantalizing sprite still. Sure
of her tall adorer, she could not help expert
menting on him. There were little tiffs now
and then that were quite something else than
the merry sparring of the days of their first
acquaintance.
Brownie" he told her one day early in De
| cember. "But / shall be back week from
to-day"
A gay party of young people was made up
for the evening that Robert was to come
| back. Brownie was asked to join them and
consented. She thought she would like to see
what Robert would say.
She found out.
He came in the evening Brownie was
dressed charmingiy in cream color ard scar
| let, all ready for the party. She looked an
enchanting little witch Roberts eye outlined
her admiringly, from head to foot.
"Fm awfuliy sorry, )" said the little hypocrite,
"but some people made me promise to go out
with them tonight. They just made me go,
whether 1 would or not"
"Ah!" remarked the Englishman indiffer-
| emily. well, that viii do. 1 had some
| letters to answer tonight, and | shall have
| time to write them now.1
He went away with a languid adieu.
| Brownie frowned with vexation. That wa.
not just the kind of scene she had expected.
Shirley laughed
"He knows how to manage YOU doesn't he
Browniea I've no fears for your happiness
nowl"
If Robert had left well enough alone, i,
would have been well enough. But he did
not do that. He was put out by Brownies
| behavior and he could not hide it entirely
He went a little way toward the village and
then turned upon his heel and came back
Il forgot" said he, Il brought out a new
book for Shirley. / want to see what she
says of it You don't care for such thing,
anyway. 1 think III stay and read it to
Shirley this evening while you are gone"
$50 glad to see youi" Brownie murmured
| sarcastically.
He drew out his book, and unwrapped il
lazily, commenting the while on its lofty
intellectual character.
sBy the way, Brownie he asked, Hwhers
is it you are going to-nightp
Il don't believe I'll tell you My amuse-
ments are not sufficiently intellectual to in.
terest you
aOh, WELL" said be, Sit's Of no consequence ,
Brownie was provoked ST1l make him
angry, or die In the attempt she vowed td
herself.
swherever it is,n she said, @pm to meet q
most fascinating young man. He's man
who appreciates my modest mental graees,
too, If some other people don't He has the
He isn't one of your intellectual slouches who
never sees whether lady is comfortable or
not
Robert looked from his book.
as it young Martin. may askP
aOh, then, there is something you are inter
ested inF"
| because II It's young Martln, nes person
whose charming devotion is no credit to any
lady. Seriously, shouldn't Ike to have hin
hanging about you, Brownie
-Ch, thank YOU But l think l can tel
who's proper to hang about me. I'm OLD
enough, too, goodness knows"
sob, come now, Brownie, that's nonsense
Really, Is it Martin you meanP
sReaily, won't tell you"
sWontfs
sBy the blessed broonlstick, moi"
. He was getting little vexed. Browni
watched the knitting brows and exulted. I'll
meditated moment But insist on know
ing
AOh, you do. How very unfortunate"
aIf you don't tell me this, he said. Il shal
think you would be capable Of keeping thing
from me in earnest
. Brownie flashed smile at him from he
dancing brown eyes, her white teeth and scar
, let lips
4Trast me all, or trust me not at al, . sh
. | murmured.
; Perhaps he mid. ayou'd like it to be no
q air